Accurate control through automation

Robots are ideal to handle repetitive tasks quickly and with accuracy. The last 50 years saw industrial robotics applications evolving from simple tasks to more complex functions demanding highly advanced models for use in a growing number of industries. According to the market research report "Industrial Robotics Market - Global Forecast and Analysis by Applications, Functions, Product & Geography (2012 - 2017)" published by MarketsandMarkets (www.marketsandmarkets.com), the total industrial robotics market is expected to reach $32.8 billion by 2017, growing by as much as 5% annually from 2012 to 2017.

The degree of automation in plastics processing depends greatly on the manufacturing location. In Europe, particularly in Germany, it is extremely high. In other parts of the world, on the other hand, automation is only carried out in certain areas. "Manufacturing systems become more flexible because the products generally leave the production facility in a saleable state. Simple operator control of the systems is also an important criterion: the machine operator should be able to find his way around the manufacturing location. In Europe, particularly in Germany, it is extremely high. In other parts of the world, on the other hand, automation is only carried out in certain areas. "Manufacturing systems become more flexible because the products generally leave the production facility in a saleable state. Simple operator control of the systems is also an important criterion: the machine operator should be able to find his way around the system easily," according to Tobias Scheich, Key Technology Manager of Plastic, from KUKA Roboter GmbH. "Automation enables the manufacture of complex products at acceptable prices in a highly competitive market. Plastics applications will continue to be substituted for traditional materials, such as glass and metal. This is illustrated by current examples, such as glazing applications, vehicle trunk covers and door linings in the automotive industry today," Mr. Scheich added.

Getting the work done
KUKA Roboter GmbH, Augsburg, is a member of the KUKA Aktiengesellschaft and ranks amongst the world's leading suppliers of industrial robots. The company is the market leader in Germany and Europe, and the number three in the world. With its broad range of products, KUKA Roboter GmbH offers automation solutions for a vast array of customer requirements. The KR Agilus robot series, the new small robot family from KUKA, is predestined for handling tasks with very short cycle times.

The KR Quantec robot family covers the entire high payload range from 90 to 300 kg, with reaches from 2,500 to 3,100 mm. Presslinking robots for the metalworking industry, shelf-mounted robots for the plastics industry, palletising robots for the logistics sector and foundry variants for foundry settings are demonstrating their flexibility in applications covering all areas of general industry. "All KUKA robot types have something in common: their open architecture and the features of the KR C4 controller generation. In addition to robot, motion, sequence and process control, safety control has also been seamlessly integrated into the control system," Mr. Scheich stressed. Thus, the KR C4 not only ensures the simple implementation of dedicated monitoring functions; more importantly, the control technology guarantees the motion and velocity of the robot can be influenced safely.

Furthermore, expanded software packages for a wide range of applications and customer requirements are also being presented. The machine tool industry now has the software packages mxAutomation and KUKA.CNCFashion & Celebrity News